Meriden Humane Society

Disaster Preparedness

2010-09-03T12:10:00.002-04:00

While it looks like Hurricane Earl is going to miss us here in Meriden, it’s never a bad idea to review your disaster preparedness plan. It’s been five years since Hurricane Katrina, when the issue of animal rescue after natural disasters was first brought to the nation’s attention. Thanks to the efforts of both local and national rescue groups, many animals were saved and reunited with their families. However, this disaster also taught us that the best thing you can do for your pet in the face of an evacuation is to take them with you. That’s why it’s important to know your plan ahead of time.

Here in Connecticut we are lucky not to experience many natural disasters, but there are other reasons that homes can be evacuated and you will need to have a plan for your pets in this case. The rule of thumb is that if your home is unsafe for you to remain it, it is also unsafe for your pets. Even if you are told that the evacuation is short term, you cannot be certain when you will be able to access your home and your pets again. Take them with you.

When evacuating with your pets there are items that you must have ready to go. These include:

-Food for all your pets
-Bottled water
-Food bowls
-Cat litter and litter pans
-Pet first aid kit
-Carriers for small animals and leashes/collars for dogs
-Medical records stored in a waterproof container or baggie
-Any medications your pets need
-Current photos of your pets in case you are separated

All pets should wear ID at all times, but in an emergency this is even more important. Microchipping is a safe and permanent form of identification, but if there is no time to have this done all pets should wear a collar with ID tags. The tags should include your pet’s name, your name, your phone number and address, and the phone number of an out-of-state contact person in case your area loses cell reception or phone lines are down. If you know where you are evacuating to, you should also include a temporary tag with the address and phone number of that site. But be aware that collars can become lost and if your pet does not have a form of permanent ID (such as a tattoo or microchip) there may be no way of positively identifying them.

You also need to know where you can bring your pets once you’ve left your home. Most emergency shelters will not take in animals, so it is likely you will need to make other arrangements. Locate and keep contact information for pet-friendly hotels both near your home and out of the area. Try to make arrangements with friends or family to temporarily take in you and your pets.

The best advice anyone can give is to be prepared before there is an emergency. If you’re given an hour to get out of your house, will you remember everything you need for you emergency kit? Will you know where you can take your pets? Will you know who to contact for help? These are things you need to consider before hand or your pets will pay the price. A pet left chained outside or roaming a house in a disaster can be seriously injured, made ill by contaminated food and water, or killed. Your pets deserve the same concern that any other member of your family would. Don’t let your pets down by being unprepared in an emergency.

Links and Further Reading:

Get a free Rescue Alert sticker for your front door.

ASPCA’s recommendations for disaster preparedness

FEMA’s recommendations for disaster preparedness for pets

Take FEMA’s IS-10: Animals in Disaster course

United Animal Nation’s recommendations for disaster preparedness

Emergencies: Be Prepared

2010-08-24T15:28:00.005-04:00

Nothing is scarier to a pet owner than finding their four-legged friends in distress. Do you know what to do in an emergency? Do you know where to call for help? If it's late at night, a weekend, or a holiday, you might not be able to contact your regular vet. For that reason it's important to know where the nearest emergency vet is.

Some Connecticut 24-hour emergency vet hospitals include:

Animal Emergency Hospital of Central Connecticut
860-563-4447
588 Cromwell Ave, Rocky Hill CT

Connecticut Veterinary Center, Inc.
860-233-8564
470 Oakwood Ave, West Hartford cT

Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center
860-347-8387
730 Randolph Road, Middletown CT
*will treat rabbits

VCA Cheshire Animal Hospital
(203) 718-2419
1572 S Main St, Cheshire CT

Other important phone numbers:

Pet Poison Helpline: 800-213-6680
*note that there is a $35 fee

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
*not that there is a $65 fee

While we all hope to never need to make an emergency vet visit, everyone needs to be prepared for that eventuallity by knowing how to reach the nearest emergency hospital. There are many situations when an injured or ill pet cannot wait for morning or until Monday to receive medical care and it is our responsibility to ensure that they reach help as quickly as possible.

A Lesson on Declawing and Humane Alternatives

2010-07-22T15:27:00.005-04:00

Scratching is a natural, healthy part of cat behavior, but it can be a major concern for many families with cats or who are considering adopting a cat. It’s not hard to understand why. No one likes having their furniture scratched and for people on certain medications cat scratches can be very serious, but you don’t have to make a decision between your sofa and health or having a happy feline companion.

In the United States declawing is one of the most popular solutions to scratching. Many people are surprised to find that this is a procedure unique to the United States. In many European countries (see a full list here) declawing is illegal. It is recognized as an inhumane procedure that harms the cat without providing any benefits.

(View a diagram of the bones of a cat's foot before and after declawing.)

Declawing is not the simple surgery that many believe it is. A cat’s claw is connected to a bone called the distal phalanx, which is amputated along with the deep digital flexor tendon. The closest comparison is having the tip of your fingers cut off at the first knuckle. This leaves the cat with a painful recovery, as cats do not have the option to lay in bed while their mutilated paws heal.

The psychological side effects of declawing are troubling and unacceptable. Claws are a cat’s main defense mechanism and removing it can drastically alter their personality. Some declawed cats become frightened and withdrawn while others become aggressive. Since they no longer have their claws to defend themselves, many turn to the only other means of defense they have: teeth. Declawing can also lead to a problem behavior most owners find more difficult to live with than scratching. After the surgery cats still must scratch in their litterbox and many learn to associate the pain of their damaged paws with the box itself. This can lead them to avoid the box and seek out softer surfaces to relieve themselves on. Scratching is also a means of marking territory and, deprived of this method, some cats will turn to urinating outside of the box in order to scent mark their home.

There are also physical side effects to such a serious surgery. Complications following surgery are extremely common and include hemorrhage, infection, and regrowth of nails. Scratching also allows cats to stretch their back muscles and removing this ability can cause painful seizing of the muscles.

So what are you supposed to do about scratching? Thankfully, there are many effective and, most importantly, humane methods for discouraging your cat from scratching on your furniture.

The easiest thing you can do is provide appropriate scratching surfaces for your cat. Scratching posts can be purchased at any pet store or made yourself. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. Some cats prefer upright scratching posts and some prefer horizontal surfaces. Traditional scratching posts such as these are great for cats that like, for instance, the corner of your sofa, and cardboard scratchers like these are best for cats who like to scratch on the carpet. Any scratching post can be sprayed with cat nip spray to attract the cat to it and some already come treated with cat nip.

A relatively new solution to scratching is a product called Soft Paws. These are small plastic caps that you apply to each of your cat’s claws, almost like putting on fake fingernails. They are blunt on the end so your cat can’t scratch anything, but they don’t interfere with the cat’s natural movement and don’t cause any discomfort. They are simple to apply on your own and come in many fun colors.

One of the reasons cats scratch is to shed the outer layer of their claws. If you keep their nails trimmed you can help eliminate this need. Trimming nails is a simple procedure you can do yourself with pet nail trimmers purchased from any pet store. Simply extend the cat’s nail by pressing at the base with your finger and trim off the hook of the nail. Be careful to avoid the blood line, which in most cats is easily visible. If you aren’t comfortable trimming your own cat’s nails, your veterinarian or groomer could do it for you.

Declawing is inhumane and not a reasonable reaction to scratching, but by trying some of these alternatives you can live in harmony with your feline friend without sacrificing your furniture or your cat’s wellbeing. Your cat will thank you for it.

Further reading on declawing:

www.declawing.org (Warning: this site contains graphic photos.)

HSUS’s position on declawing

Declawing in the Petfinder library

June is Adopt A Cat Month!

2010-06-10T14:39:00.003-04:00

While any time of year is a great time to bring a feline friend into your life, June is the special month set aside to highlight adoptable cats. We know the perfect home for each and every one of our cats is out there and one of those homes might be yours! If you've been thinking of adopting a new family member, our many kitties would be very pleased to see you stop by the cat room.

Timmy

Timmy is the King of Comfort. He's rarely found anywhere but his big comfy bed and looks lost when its in the wash. Timmy is laid back and mellow, the perfect cat for someone who doesn't want the energy of a kitten bouncing off their ceilings. He likes to sit on laps and loves to be petted, but generally waits for you to go to him. He is declawed, so he would prefer not to live with animals that might pick on him but is fine with other gentle cats.

Rosemary

Rosemary is one of many young mother cats that are looking for homes now that their kittens have been adopted. She's just a tiny cat herself, it's hard to imagine that she's a mother. She loves to cuddle and is definitely best friend material. When there's no one around to curl up with, she settles for snuggling into her blankets, but she'd really like a family to give her all the petting and attention she wants.

Oogie

You'd be hard pressed to find a more affectionate cat than Oogie. He's never happier than when he has a lap to sit on and someone to scratch his chin. There's just something about him that's perfect for hugging and he's more than happy to cuddle. He has some silly habits, like sleeping under the sink, and will probably wants to pick out a comfortable napping spot in his new home. Just don't be surprised if he picks somewhere you never thought of!

Callie

It's hardly fair that Callie got looks and personality, but some cats are just lucky. She keeps her long calico fur immaculate to show off for visitors and is just the sweetest girl. It's hard to resist a beautiful kitty like her, but she wants everyone to know that she's more than pretty fur! She also loves to be petted and is very outgoing. She has a bit of a silly side, as you can see, but she promises to behave herself when guests are over.

Brian

Brian sure is a hoot. Most people don't even notice that he's missing a leg when they first meet him. Brian was hit by a car and had to have his leg amputated, but we're not even sure if he's noticed yet. He certainly can chase and jump just as well as any other cat. He's always playing and loves toys of all kinds. He has a lot of energy and can be a little hard to keep up with, but if you're looking for a fun companion you won't find any cat better suited than Brian.

Virginia

Virginia is quite the explorer. She came to the shelter with kittens and wasn't pleased to be cooped up with them. She wants to see the world and go on adventures, and now that her kittens have all been adopted she has her chance! She wants to be part of everything going on around her and would love to have a home of her very own to explore.

If you're interested in any of our adoptable cats, just come on down to the shelter to meet them. We're open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to six and we'd be more than happy to introduce you to any of our cats.

Furry Fosterables

2010-03-18T15:42:00.004-04:00

Now that you've learned a bit about fostering, why not check out a few of our animals that are looking for foster homes?

Kittens

Orphaned kittens and pregnant cats are already entering the shelter as Kitten Season starts. We need as many foster homes for these animals as possible. Don’t let any kittens grow up in cages this spring. Don’t turn away pregnant moms in need. Help us raise healthy, happy kittens by volunteering to foster.

Sunshine

Sunshine is 19-years old and very sad to have lost her home. She and her five friends came to the shelter after their elderly caretaker passed away. Sunshine was used to a very quiet home and she doesn’t understand all the hustle an dbustle of the shelter. She’s too scared to live with the rest of the cats here, so she spends most of her time hiding in her bed. Doesn’t she deserve better? She would rather live out her life in a foster home where she can be comfortable and happy again.

Thing One and Thing Two

Thing One and Thing Two were left outside the shelter in a box, a scary situation for any cat to find themselves in, but made worse for these two because they are both declawed. They know they can’t defend themselves, so they huddle together in their cage and try not to be noticed. To make matters worse, they both have impaired vision. Thing One is entirely blind in one eye and Thing Two is partially blind in one eye. They want a foster home where they can gain some confidence in themselves and have their eyesight monitored.

Sid

Sid wandered up to a house looking for food and affection after being abandoned outdoors. Since being at the shelter he has tested positive for FIV and hyperactive thyroid. He takes a pill twice a day for his thyroid, but doesn’t need any special care for the FIV. He’s an older cat, ten at minimum, and he needs a low-stress environment that he just can’t find at the shelter.

Serenity

Serenity was found wandering the streets in the dead of winter. This sweet girl is very grateful to be inside where her meals are guaranteed, but she also has hyperactive thyroid and is around 13 years old. As an older cat with special needs, she isn’t very attractive to adopters, no matter how pretty her green eyes are, but she still wants a home. She is looking for a foster to live her despite her special need.

Fostering: How You Can Save a Life

2010-03-18T15:03:00.002-04:00

Fostering is one of the most rewarding ways to participate in animal rescue and we need your help! Kitten Season is starting up and soon requests to help pregnant cats and orphaned kittens will be overwhelming the shelter. In order to care for all of these mommas and babies we need volunteer foster homes.

What is fostering?

Fostering is when you provide a temporary home for an animal that needs more individual care than is possible in a shelter setting. Foster homes are essential to keep animals as healthy and happy as possible while they wait for their forever homes.

What sorts of animals need foster homes?

We look for foster homes for lots of animals. This includes orphaned kittens that need round-the-clock care, special needs pets that need medication multiple times a day, senior pets that are unlikely to be adopted, and shy animals that need to be socialized. In the spring time, also known as Kitten Season, we always need foster homes for pregnant cats and kittens with and without mothers.

What is involved with fostering?

Foster parents are expected to shelter the animals in their care, provide them with attention, food, and water. The goal of fostering is to help the animals become as socialized and healthy as possible, so anything the foster parents can do to meet that goal is fantastic.

What does the shelter provide to foster homes?

We will send you home with everything you need for your foster pet. We can provide litter boxes, leashes, food bowls, bedding, and any other supplies necessary for caring for the animal. We can also provide veterinary care.

Why is fostering necessary?

Foster homes help animals that don’t thrive in the shelter environment. The shelter is a high-stress environment that many animals don’t adapt well to. Being in a foster home allows these animals to be comfortable while they await their forever homes.

For animals that are too young to be adopted or are pregnant, foster homes provide a safer environment than the shelter. Kittens and puppies have fragile immune systems, so being in a home is much safer than being around many other animals. For pregnant mothers, a low-stress environment is also ideal for raising healthy babies.

How long a commitment is fostering?

This depends on the type of animal being fostered. Puppies and kittens are a minimum of eight weeks and pregnant animals are often longer. Senior animals are often placed in “permanent foster” homes, so the foster lasts for the remainder of the animal’s life. For undersocialized animals the time period varies, but an agreement will be reached during the application process as to how long the animal will be in the foster home (of course, this can be adjusted later).

Can I adopt my foster pet?

Of course. Foster parents are encouraged to give up their foster pets when an adoptive home is found so that they can help more homeless pets, but if a foster parent does want to adopt they can go through the adoption application process.

What do I get out of fostering?

Fostering is incredibly enriching to the families. They get the knowledge that they have helped save a life, that they opened their doors to an animal in need when no one else would.

How do I become a foster parent?

Foster applications are available in the lobby of the shelter. A staff member or volunteer will meet with you to discuss what you can offer a foster pet.

What animals are available for foster?

The best way to find out what animals are looking for foster homes is to ask a staff member or volunteer. You can also call us at (203) 238-3650 or email us at meridensociety@sbcglobal.net.

MHS Dogs Have Star Power

2010-03-16T13:27:00.004-04:00

Have you ever wondered about the animals of the stage and silver screen? Where do they come from? Ladies' Home Journal offers answers, at least concerning some lucky Broadway stars. As you can see in the image above, from the Dec '09/Jan '10 issue of the magazine, one of our own is now making a name for himself in Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Of course, we think all of our animals have potential, but we usually stop at the potential to be a great friend and companion. We're all exceptionally proud of Frankie and his career on stage. Frankie is proving what we've always said; shelter dogs are awesome!

You can read the full article on trainer Bill Berloni and his Broadway stars here.

In The News: Rocky

2010-02-26T13:36:00.003-05:00

A favorite among staff and volunteers, Rocky was lucky enough to get some extra exposure on Thrusday morning. He has been with us at the Meriden Humane Society since May 2009 and he hopes he made an impression on someone out there who wants to give him a new home.

Isn't that the perfect picture of comfort? Rocky loves searching out the biggest, comfiest beds to sleep in and he doesn't care one bit if he looks silly. He's a very laid back cat, content to enjoy a slow-paced life, and he wants nothing more than to have his very own home to make himself comfortable in. He is very social with people and loves attention of all kinds. Rocky is just a big sweetheart.

Rocky is special needs, in that he has elbow dysplasia. That just means he takes joint supplements once a day and he walks with a limp. He takes his medication like a champ (it's just a capsule in his wet food, so he even enjoys it!) and doesn't let his limp get him down. He navigates the cat room with no trouble and behaves just like a normal cat.

If you think you could give Rocky the home he deserves, come on down to visit him. He doesn't want to celebrate an anniversary at the shelter. Instead, why not take him home so he can start a new, happier life?

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

2010-02-04T21:15:00.002-05:00

February is Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month and if you’ve ever considered bringing a rabbit into your family, now might be the time. Rabbits are very different pets from cats and dogs, but are just as rewarding. They take some special care, which if you’re accustomed to cats might take some time to get used to, so it’s generally recommended that you do some research before taking the plunge and adopting a rabbit. A good rabbit resource is the House Rabbit Society, which will help you decide if a rabbit is the pet for you.

Rabbits are a subject very close to my heart, as I have personally shared my home with many wonderful bunnies. They offer love and companionship and will probably help dispose of your Christmas tree (as long as it wasn't treated with chemicals). Each rabbit as its own personality just like we do and discovering their favorite games and treats is fun for both of you. Yes, they need some special considerations, such as bunny proofing the house and finding a rabbit specialist vet, but these are small things to do for a good friend.

At MHS we see rabbits periodically and several staff members and volunteers have rabbit experience, so if you have rabbit questions we can at the very least point you in the right direction. Right now we don’t have any rabbits available for adoption, but there are several rabbit rescues in Connecticut. Adoptable rabbits are listed on Petfinder just like cats and dogs, so once you’ve learned a bit about them you can search for adoptable buns that fit your lifestyle.

2010-01-06T12:10:00.003-05:00

While here at MHS every animal is loved, some become very special to their caregivers. Often these are the animals that come to us in the worst shape, that need the most extra care. Sometimes the story ends happily for these animals and sometimes it doesn’t. At the beginning of this new year, as we all look forward to the animals we’ll save in the coming months, we can’t help but remember some of our favorites from this past year.

Tag

Tag was just a puppy when he was found emaciated under a porch. While his heart never wavered, his body was just too weak. He passed away after a week of what may have been the most love he had ever been shown. We have written Tag’s story many times and rather than tell it one more time, instead we would like to print this letter from one of Tag’s caregivers.

You were taken from us too soon. Never able to know the true love of a “family”. Tragedy struck so shortly after you came to us. You were loved unconditionally in the short time that we had you; it’s tragic to think the most love you saw only came after you arrived at a shelter. When you walked in the door, our hearts broke for you, like they have for so may. You touched everyone you met, no matter how weak or sick, you would always wag your tail and try to give a kiss. You were the most peaceful laying your head on someone’s chest.

These were the moments that we knew brought you comfort.

Sadly, you came to us too late. What had been done by the people before could not be undone by us, we tried so hard, and you fought as long as you could. Your spirit and bravery are greater than most. No matter how much you hurt, you never let it show. In your last day many tears were shed by everyone you had touched. Your sad eyes, your sweet kisses, your gentle tail wag will forever be in the hearts of all who cared for you. We will never forget what happened to you. We will never forget the life you were robbed. We will never forget all you suffered in the five months of your life. Most importantly, we will never forget you, and we will continue fighting to help as many others as we can. Every time we look into the soft brown eyes of a pit bull, we will see you, and every time we see the smile of a dog, we will see you shining back at us letting us know you overlook all the dogs that come into our care.

You were robbed of so much, but you gave your all. You reminded us why we are here, why we don’t give up and of all the others that need to be saved.

Thank you Tag for everything you showed us in your short time, for everything you had to give up. Thank you for warming our hearts and humbling our souls. You live in our work. We miss you and you will never be forgotten.

Blink

Blink was abandoned at the shelter with a litter of kittens in 2007. Her babies were adopted quickly, leaving her at the shelter to wait for her own forever home. It turned out to be a long wait and, like most long-term residents, became a big favorite among staff and volunteers. Blink could be very sweet, but was also shy and liked to spend her time with the feral cats. We all knew that it would take a very special person to adopt Blink, but also that they would be greatly rewarded for it. Just in time for the holidays this past winter, that special person appeared and now Blink is living in her forever home. It’s always hard to say goodbye to a favorite, but there’s also no happier moment.

Grampy

Grampy was rescued just in time. After almost being hit by a car several times, Grampy was scooped up by a kind person and brought to us. Even though he was 12 years old, Grampy always had a lot of energy, especially if he heard the treats bag. With his teddy bear-like appearance, it was hard to resist falling in love with him. It soon became clear that he needed extensive dental work, but that didn’t bring his spirits down at all and it didn’t scare away the family that adopted him. He is now living happily in his new home and will be going to the dentist very soon.

Alex

Alex had the distinction of having lived at the shelter longer than any other cat, not a prize any animal wants to win. While he was very shy, Alex could be incredibly loving. He enjoyed being talked to and, when his foster mom’s imagination started faltering, he often listened to Sherlock Holmes stories. Alex is a testament to the importance of foster homes. As his illness progressed it became clear that the shelter was too stressful an environment for him. Even though he passed away in the end, having a foster home allowed him to be comfortable and happy for his last few months.

Truffles

Truffles is a little dog with a huge personality. This poor girl came to MHS with skin allergies so severe she would scratch until she bled. She will likely always need some supportive care for her skin, but she’s feeling so much better now and has long since grown her hair back. (And in this cold weather, she needs it!) Now that she isn’t so concentrated on itching all the time, her real personality is starting to come out. She loves to sit on laps and gives kisses and has endless amounts of energy. It was hard not to fall in love with Truffles right from the start, you try resisting a dog who looked as pathetic as she did, and hopefully this year she’ll be well enough to find her own forever home.

Caden and Pasta

Both Caden and Pasta lived difficult lives outdoors before coming to MHS and it resulted in both testing positive for FIV. Caden was brought in with a horrible wound on his neck from being attacked by a dog and Pasta was humanely trapped in a feral colony. Despite their different backgrounds, they got along great. Both proved to be very cuddly and would rub up on people at any opportunity. FIV can be scary to potential adopters, but once you learn the facts it isn’t scary at all. Thankfully for these two big boys, their FIV didn’t scare off their new family. They were adopted together and have settled wonderfully into their new home.

It's Holiday Time Again

2009-12-14T19:45:00.004-05:00

Dear friend of animals,

At the Meriden Humane Society we believe all lives are worth saving. Many of our animals come to us after terrible accidents or abuse and our goal is to make them healthy and find them new forever homes. The cost of vet care is rising, making it more and more difficult for us to save the lives of homeless pets.

In the last year we’ve seen many animals with serious medical needs that were saved thanks to your generous donations. Last winter a little cat came to us after falling asleep in a car engine. She was found with wounds covering her whole backside and needed lots of special care to ward off infection. She was named Oozy, for the obvious reason, and staff and volunteers spent more than a month working with her. Throughout her rehabilitation Oozy was always a sweetheart, totally trusting that we were helping her. Finally Oozy healed and was ready for adoption. She found her forever home quickly and her painful past is now behind her.

Oozy
Another sad case is that of Shiloh and Tessa. Both were older dogs found wandering the streets. They were found separately, but as soon as they saw each other at the shelter they went running and didn’t leave each other’s sides the whole time they were with us. Unfortunately they both had massive mammary tumors that desperately needed to be removed. Without the many donations made towards their care, they would not have been able to get their surgeries and their story would not have ended as happily. They were adopted together and are living out the rest of their lives reunited with each other in a new happy home.

Shilo
There was also Sherman, a Japanese Chin whose back was broken after some children tried to ride him, KJ, a handsome white pit mix who came to us emaciated and hurting, and Kiki, a sweet calico cat who needed lots of TLC after having a difficult time nursing her kittens. The extensive care these animals and the many others like them needed was very costly and it is only because of the kind people who make donations that we can continue to do our best to save lives.

Unfortunately, not every story ends as happily, but we have to make every effort to save each and every animal who comes to us. Tag was a loving puppy with trust in his eyes, but when we found him abandoned under a porch, literally starving to death, it was difficult to imagine that he still trusted us after what his previous human owners had done. Despite our best efforts, Tag passed away when his heart gave out following surgery. Thankfully he was able to spend his last few days lying in the sunshine at the shelter, being offered the best foods and given all the attention he could handle. While we couldn’t save Tag, it’s important that we showed him in his last few days that he was loved and that not all people were like the ones who had left him to die. Thanks to your donations, we were able to give Tag the best care possible in his last days. He may not be with us any longer, but he knew that we did everything we could to help him.

Tag
Saving lives is the primary mission of everyone here at the Meriden Humane Society. We will always do our best to help even the worst cases, to save as many lives as we can. However, without your help we cannot continue to provide the level of care our animals need. The helpless animals that come through our doors rely entirely on you and your generosity! We need your help to make happy endings like Oozy’s, Tessa’s, and Shilo’s possible. Please consider making a donation towards the care of our many animals this holiday season. Don’t let the suffering continue. We have many cats and dogs awaiting surgeries, medical treatments, and vaccinations and spay/neuters. A $60 donation will spay/neuter and vaccinate one cat. The cost to spay/neuter one dog ranges from $100-$175. One rabies vaccine costs $17, and to perform testing on one cat costs $20. Surgeries to repair broken limbs or remove tumors can often cost over $500.

We are extremely thankful and gratified for the many lives we have been able to save, but we are also devastated by the animals we have lost and the hundreds we were unable to help due to limited funds and space.

We know that your budgets are tight, and that all of us, sadly including our animals have to do with less, but sick and injured animals can not afford to wait for a better economy!

We thank you for the sacrifices you have made in order to continue your support for our animals and to help us save lives. We hope that you have a safe and happy holiday season and that you don’t forget to put the animals at the Meriden Humane Society on your shopping list this holiday season.

To make a safe online donation, click on the Paypal button at the top of this page. Checks can be sent to The Meriden Humane Society at 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450.

Sincerely,
The staff and volunteers of the Meriden Humane Society

P.S. As a small independent organization we don’t have the resources to host large fundraisers or to put out multiple pledge letters. As you know, this is the first pledge letter you have received from us this year, and it will be the only one. 100% of your donation will be used to help local animals as well as your friends and neighbors, many of whom have either had to surrender their animals to us or have been fortunate enough to be able to adopt new four-legged members into their families from us.

Please remember to vaccinate and spay/neuter your pets.

Paws In Need: Chicken and Grampy

2009-11-16T14:51:00.003-05:00

Sometimes senior pets need special health care to keep them in tip-top shape. Chicken and Grampy are both senior strays that need extensive dental work. Having teeth in bad condition sounds like it could just be a small thing, just an aesthetic problem, but it can easily become life threatening. Help us save these two loveable dogs by making a safe, online donation towards their vet care by clicking on the Paypal button.

Chicken

Chicken was saved from animal control with only a few days left to live. He had been brought in as a stray and his time was up. We saved him with hopes of getting him adopted, as he has the kindest eyes and is a sweet boy. After a visit to the vet, we found out this cute little boy is 10 years old with a severe need for dental work. This is always an expensive venture but this dog deserves to life a long, healthy, happy existence. He was left unclaimed at animal control...skinny and unwanted in a previous life, Chicken has become a favorite at the humane society among staff and
visitors. Won't you help him to get the life he deserves?

Grampy

Brought to MHS by a concerned resident on a rainy day in September, Grampy immediately touched our hearts. The man who brought him to us said he'd seen the dog nearly get hit by a car several times that afternoon. The man said Grampy had been wandering for at least five days, looking for somewhere to be safe.

At 12 years old, this dog has lots of love to give, as he loves walks, cookies and being around people and other dogs. He rides well in the car and is a lot of fun to be around. He is spunky & energetic despite his age, in fact a lot of people who visit have no idea he is twelve!

However, after several trip to the vets, we have learned that Grampy has an extensive list of medical needs (dental work, thyroid tests) that will take a bit of time, and a lot of money, so he can get completely healthy and live out the rest of his days without discomfort. We need help as our budget is small, but we feel this dog has so much to offer to a perspective owner. This 8 1/2 pounds of love is a joy to have around and is still as smart as whip. He is as loving as he is goofy. He was brought to MHS for his second chance. Won't you help him find it?

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

2009-11-12T20:28:00.004-05:00

Imagine having lived in a wonderful, loving home your whole life. You were always friendly with your special people, you weren’t ever a nuisance, and you gave nothing but love and kisses. You used to play and keep your family company, but now you’re getting old and maybe you don’t want to play as much. How would you feel if your family decided they don’t want you anymore, they want a young pet again?

In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, why not consider making the golden years of these homeless cats and dogs just as joyful as their younger years? Give them the love they know they deserve, no matter what their age is.

Verizon

Verizon is the oldest resident of the shelter, at 22-years old. He hasn’t had an easy life and it shows in his face. We don’t know what happened to him before coming to us, but we know how he arrived. Verizon was thrown out of a moving car outside a local business, whose employees brought him to the shelter. He may be old, but he has so much love to give. He likes to climb up on people’s shoulders and go for a ride, all while purring like a freight train. You won’t meet a more affectionate and deserving cat anywhere.

Visit Verizon on Petfinder.

Bailey

Bailey is a senior Chihuahua who just wants to enjoy her golden years. She loves to go for walks, though she isn’t so sure about the rain, and enjoys rolling around in the grass. She also likes napping in her bed and cuddling into soft blankets. Bailey does need eye ointment, because she doesn’t produce tears, but that’s no trouble at all. Isn’t such a lovely and sweet dog worth it?

See Bailey on Petfinder here.

Sebastian

Sebastian is practically a baby compared to Verizon at only 12-years old. This guy doesn’t feel his age at all and doesn’t understand all the fuss about getting old. He can be awfully cuddly when he’s in the mood, but he’s an independent guy and mostly wants to do his own thing. A lot of the time ‘his own thing’ is napping in the sunny spot and trying to mooch food off anyone nearby, but at his age if he wants to be a little lazy or quirky it seems unfair to deny him. Sebastian can be a little grumpy sometimes, but if he were the only cat in the house that would make him a whole lot less grouchy.

Visit Sebastian on Petfinder here.

Herbie

Herbie is a sweet senior Beagle. His favorite part of the day is when he gets to go out for his walk. He is older, so he doesn’t want to go climbing mountains, but he’s no couch potato either. He just loves the fresh air and getting to sniff around at everything. He also loves his toys and treats, but he doesn’t like to share them very much. Since he’s such a laid-back dog, he would make a great companion for someone looking for a friend with a little less energy.

Visit Herbie on Petfinder here.

What To Do If Your Pet Is Missing

2009-09-01T10:33:00.002-04:00

One of the most difficult situations pet owners can find themselves in is when you come home and realize that your dog has escaped the yard or your cat tore through the screen and is out wandering. If it hasn’t ever happened to you before, you might not know what to do, so it’s important to have a plan before this happens.

As with most things, planning ahead is important to give you the best chance of finding your pet. Make sure all pets wear collars and ID tags at all times. Along with a rabies tag, you should purchase a personal ID tag that lists your pet’s name and your phone number. Since collars can go missing, however, permanent forms of ID such as microchipping are still strongly recommended.

The most important thing to remember is not to panic. If you’re curled up on your couch weeping, that isn’t helping find your pet. As soon as you realize they’re gone, you have to jump into action to find them as soon as possible.

If your pet has a microchip, the first thing you want to do is report your pet missing with the microchip registry. Most vets and animal control agencies will scan for microchips, which will lead them directly back to you. This is why you should always keep your information in the registry up to date.

Place the smelliest cat or dog food you can find outside your home. Tuna works great with cats. You want something that will draw your pet’s attention back to the house. If they’re just in the yard under a bush where you can’t see them, this alone might bring them out of hiding.

The next step is to get out in the neighborhood and start looking. Bring along pictures of your pet to show neighbors, lost flyers, and anything that makes a sound your pet will come to. Have a box of dog biscuits, a bag of cat treats, and a can of food to tap with a spoon. Anything your pet will recognize and want.

You have to talk to everyone. Stop at every neighbor’s house and ask if they’ve seen your pet, and remember to leave your contact information with them. Ask the postman, the neighborhood kids, anyone. Show everyone the photos of your pet so they know what exactly they’re looking for.

Remember that frightened cats can hide in some pretty small spaces, so search everywhere, even if you don’t think your cat could fit in the space. A flashlight might help you, even during the daytime, look in some of these hidden places. Many cats hide close to home, especially if they’ve always been kept indoors, because they get frightened. Look in all the bushes, under the porch, anywhere that provides good cover to a scared animal.

Hang lost flyers with a photo of your pet and your contact information around the neighborhood and the immediate area. This way anyone you may not have spoken to in person can still help you. Having a color photo of your pet on the flyer is best, but still include a physical description, including the date and area where the pet was last seen.

Once everyone in your area is aware of the missing pet, it’s time to spread out. You need to call all vets in the surrounding area and alert them. Someone may have found your pet injured and brought it to a vet for treatment. You’ll want to call animal shelters and animal control for the same reason. Many people that find a lost animal will bring it to one of these organizations. Visit these places in person to see any animals that might possibly be yours.

Most animal-friendly establishments, from vets to pet stores, have a bulletin board where you can post lost flyers. Take advantage of this and post as many flyers as you can in every store and vet office that you can. While you’re there, take a look for any ‘found’ flyers. Someone might have your pet and is looking for you just as desperately as you’re looking for them.

Newspapers always have a section for lost and found pets, so check the paper regularly. Put in an ad about your lost pet and check for anyone who might have found yours. Some papers will even place these ads for free.

Losing a pet is extremely stressful, but if you put together a plan you greatly increase the chance of getting your pet home again.

Don’t forget to contact MHS if your pet gets lost. We have a bulletin board in our lobby for lost pets, so bring a flyer with you to post there. We can also let you know if we’ve taken in any animals recently that match your lost pet or if anyone has contacted us about a found pet.

The Neediest

2009-08-20T12:06:00.004-04:00

One of our favorite things to hear when someone comes to look at the animals is 'Who needs a home most?'. We love the meaning behind the question, that someone really cares which animals need them the most, rather than which are the prettiest, youngest, and most playful. And the answer to that question right now is, without a doubt, Alex.

Alex has the distinction of having lived at the shelter for longer than any other animal. He's been homeless for five years now, which makes him very sad. I can actually tell you exactly what it's like to live with this cat, because I do live with him. He's my foster, because after five years I couldn't stand to see him at the shelter any more.

He can be exceptionally frustrating and he isn't the cat for everyone. He's very shy when he's given free reign of a room, but is a massive sweetheart when he's crated. He loves to be brushed, he loves to chase moths, he loves to chow down on his wet food. For a cat as timid as he is, it's something big for him to perk his ears up and stay out in the open when you enter the room. It's something big for him to ask for attention, even if you are holding a plate of wet food. He might not be comfortable showing affection the way most cats do, but he is a good cat. He still has love to give.

He needs to be on a prescription diet to control diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease. He also needs (right now) twice weekly injections of B12, which are very easy to do and he puts up no fuss, and periodic steroid injections to control gum disease. He'll probably need a full dental cleaning and some tooth extractions in the future.

Loving an animal as simply pathetic as Alex is is never difficult, but he needs just the right home. He needs someone who is going to love him and stand by him no matter what messes he's made or what medical care he needs. He might be too nervous most of the time to show his appreciated physically, but it's not hard to tell that he really does care and love you in return.

If you think you might be the special person who has it in them to love this cat, please contact MHS or email h.gregory@live.com for more information.

Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable Day

2009-07-25T09:18:00.003-04:00

August 12th is Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day! For someone who doesn’t spend very much time working in animal welfare, that might sound confusing, but it’s very simple. Many adopters want the “perfect” pet, the prettiest, friendliest, youngest, cutest pet. But think of all the homeless pets who are older, not the best looking, or need some training. There’s nothing wrong with pets like that, they can give all the love that the “perfect” pet can, and they’ll appreciate your love even more.

All sorts of silly things can affect how adoptable a pet is. Black cats and dogs are often overlooked, large dogs are the last to be adopted, senior cats are forgotten in the face of fresh young kittens. Pets with special needs can still be wonderful companions, they just need a little something extra.

These are some of the special animals at MHS that might be considered “less-adoptable”. If you’re open to adopting the “perfect” pet, you might find that one of these homeless pets is the purrfect one for you.

Lynx & Laurel

Lynx and Laurel are both semi-feral cats that just adore each other. Laurel is very shy with people on her own, but when she’s with Lynx she’s like a whole new cat! They rub on each other and meow with their little high-pitched voices when they want attention, so you always know when they’re in the mood for it. The advantage to adopting cats like Lynx and Laurel is that they won’t be bothering you every minute of the day like some cats that just crave attention all the time. They would be fine staying home alone during the day.

Visit Laurel and Lynx on Petfinder.

Ellen

Ellen came from a home where she lived with 47 other cats and two dogs. There’s nothing you can throw at her that will surprise her. She’s a bombproof kitty. Even though she’s an absolute sweetheart, Ellen hasn’t been chosen for adoption yet! She blends in with all of the other black cats, so she doesn’t get much attention. Her appearance doesn’t suggest that there’s anything special about her, but she is just so sweet that when you sit down with her you learn there’s something special under that dull black coat. And what’s wrong with a black cat really? They go with everything!

Visit Ellen on Petfinder.

Samson

Samson is a senior Chihuahua. He’s just tiny, the sort of dog you could put on your lap and enjoy a movie with. Older dogs might not have as many years left, but doesn’t that mean they should enjoy their golden years? He is calm and sweet, so he might make the perfect senior companion for a senior person. There are many health benefits to having pets as a senior citizen. They help lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of loneliness. Don’t you want to help make Samson’s golden years his best?

Visit Samson on Petfinder.

Dean

Dean is a five-year old hound mix. He needs an adult home that can work with training with him. He needs someone who can teach him the rules, what behavior is acceptable and what behavior isn’t. He’s very specific about who he likes, so he needs work accepting strangers. He doesn’t seem to like children much either, so he should live in a home with adults only. The fact that Dean needs training, and that’s he’s a large dog in a world where small dogs rules, means many people pass over him. Large dogs are wonderful, though. Need someone to keep you warm in the winter? A big dog can do that. Tired of looking for animals that hide when it’s time to go the vet? A big dog can’t do that.

Visit Dean on Petfinder.

Olivia

Olivia is an older cat with hyper-active thyroid. She needs daily medication, but she makes that a breeze. She is so gentle and sweet that when it’s pill time (and she needs it twice a day) she just swallows it likes it’s nothing. Olivia is so very loving and calm, she just wants to cuddle all the time. She has a big bed in our kitchen that she is always in. Nothing makes her happier than snuggling right into it. Admittedly, no matter how easy it is to do, giving daily medication really doesn’t have an upside. You’ll just have to settle for feeling great that you’re helping a special needs girl live a long and happy life.

Visit Olivia on Petfinder.

There are many other special animals at the Meriden Humane Society who need your help. These animals might be considered “unadoptable” by some, but we know that there is a home to fit every animal. What one person might consider a special need, someone else might think of as a quirk! If you’re looking for a quirky pet, come on down to visit with our cats and dogs. Even if everyone doesn’t consider a pet to be perfect, they might be the perfect one for you!

Wildlife Rehabilitation

2009-07-20T15:34:00.003-04:00

The occasional wild animal finds its way to the Meriden Humane Society in need of help. However, because we have no wildlife rehabilitator, we cannot take in wild animals. If you need help with wildlife, we can point you in the right direction, starting with the list of contacts in this post.

Most of the time wildlife should be left alone, but there are certain situations where a professional wildlife rehabilitator must be contacted. If you need help with orphaned, injured, or immature wildlife it is important to contact a professional. Only a liscenced wildlife rehabilitator has the expertise to care for wild animals.

If you have found a wild animal in need of help, here are some local wildlife rehabilitators listed by town.

To find a liscenced rehabilitator in your area, see complete listings here.

Berlin

Hungerford Park
(860) 827-9064
Migratory birds
Non-migratory birds
Bats
Reptiles/Amphibians

New Haven

Gaylene Vasilopoulos
(203) 435-1982
Non-migratory birds
Small mammals
Reptile/Amphibian

Jennifer Weiffenbach
(203) 777-4241
Non-migratory birds
Small mammals
Raccoons
Reptile/Amphibian

North Haven

Diane Brignola
brignola_d@hotmail.com
Small mammals
Racoons

Stratford

Dr. Louis Pieper, Jr.
Barnum Animal Hostpial
(203) 378-0687
Migratory birds
Non-migratory birds
Small mammals

Southington

Dabid & Kathleen Pendell
(860) 621-4249
Raptors only

Jayne Amico
(860) 2768433
Native songbirds (specializing in Chimney swallows, killdeer, hummingbirds, woodpeckers)

Wallingford

Rosanne Falconieri
Yalesville Veterinary Hospital
(203) 265-1646
(203) 988-8733
Squirrels
Opossums
Reptiles
Songbirds

West Haven

Wings And A Prayer
(203) 809-8694
Birds only

Wishlist: Washing Machine

2009-07-12T19:26:00.004-04:00

One of the least glamorous jobs in the shelter is working in the laundry room. You get all the mess and funny smells that come with cleaning cages, without getting to interact with the animals as much. All in all, it isn't very much fun, but it needs to be done every day or the dirty pile will start touching the ceiling.

Chipmunk contributes to the laundry process.

You can imagine that with the amount of laundry we have to wash, our machines don't last long. That's why every few months we seek out replacements for washers that won't wash and dryers that won't dry. There's only so far learning the little tricks, like hitting it on the left side twice and slamming the lid, can take you. Well, we're down to a single washing machine again and looking for a new one.

We don't need a brand new washer, or a pretty one, or one with lots of fancy settings. We just need something that will make our towels clean. If you have an old washing machine or dryer that you don't need, it would be appreciated very much by all of the animals counting on clean blankets every morning.

If you have a washing machine or dryer that you'd like to donate, please contact us at (203) 238-3650 or email us at meridensociety@sbcglobal.net.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter

2009-07-10T17:56:00.003-04:00

Spay and neuter can be very expensive at a private vet, but is the single most important thing you can do to help solve pet overpopulation. Preventing litters from being born means there will be more homes for all of the animals that are already in shelters. The cost can seem prohibitive, but thanks to these low-cost options everyone can afford to neuter their pets.

Help prevent the suffering of abandoned kittens.

H.O.P.E. Spay/Neuter Clinic
130 Scott Rd
Waterbury, CT 06705-5204
203-437-7955
http://www.hopect.org

The Fox Memorial Clinic (cats and dogs)
701B Russell Road, Newington, 06111
860-594-4503
http://www.cthumane.org/site/Pageserver?pagename=care_spayneuter

TEAM Mobile Unit (cats only, including ferals)
1-888-367-8326
Spay/Neuter and Vaccines
http://www.everyanimalmatters.org

Friends of Animals (cats and dogs)
1-800-321-7387
Call for certificate, location, and prices
http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/spay-neuter/index.html

SPAY-USA (cats and dogs)
1-800-248-7729
Call for certificate, location, and prices
http://www.spayusa.org

Central CT Cat Project (cats only, including ferals)
$70 includes vaccines
860-828-KATS
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CT325

Hartford Veterinary Hospital (cats and dogs)
2300 Berlin Turnpike
Newington, CT 06111
860-666-1447
Call for prices and to schedule an appointment

Sterile Feral Program (cats only, including ferals)
$50 for feral cats, $90 for domestic cats, includes vaccines
Weekly clinic held in East Hartford and Ashford
860-242-9999 ext. 318
laura@ourcompanions.org
http://www.ourcompanions.org/pages/programs_ferals.htm

Compassionate Care Animal Center - S.T.A.R.T Program (dogs and cats, including ferals)
Program for low-income families and individuals. Servies are offered on a sliding scale at a very reduced rate, and in some cases there are no charges at all.
Monthly clinics in Middletown.
860-380-0415
http://www.compassionatecarect.org/programs.html

Brandford Compassion Club (stray and feral cats)
Assistance provided for spay/neuter and vaccines for stray and feral cats.
203-315-3795
brandfordcompassionclub@yahoo.com
http://www.brandfordcompassionclub.org

Friends of Feral Cheshire Cats (feral cats only)
Assistance with trapping, sterilizing, and releasing feral cats, and fostering feral kittens.
P.O. Box 946, Cheshire, CT 06410
INFO@FRIENDSOFFERALCHESHIRECATS.ORG
http://www.friendsofferalcheshirecats.org
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CT299

No Adoptable Dogs?

2009-07-06T12:13:00.004-04:00

The Connecticut SPCA is bringing 400 dogs to Connecticut for adoption, on the premise that there are no adoptable dogs in the whole state. All animals deserve homes, of course, but bringing those 400 dogs here puts the animals already in Connecticut in danger. Since the remarks about there being a lack of adoptable animals in Connecticut are coming from a generally reputable source, people believe it, but it just isn't the case. There is a whole kennel of dogs here at the Meriden Humane Society who would disagree with the statement that there are no adoptable animals.

It doesn't stop with dogs, though, and there are plans to bring cats to Connecticut as well. Here at MHS we receive so many requests for help with cats and kittens that we can't possibly take every single one of them, and the situation is the same for every rescue group out there. If there is one thing Connecticut already has enough of, it's cats and kittens. Saying otherwise is extremely irresponsible and puts all shelter animals in Connecticut at risk.

Fred Acker, the director of the Connecticut SPCA, said, "There's a real shortage of adoptable dogs in Connecticut." Here are some of the dogs that would argue otherwise.

Herschal

Herschal is a big friendly guy. He wants a family that he can curl up in bed with and just fall asleep on. He gets along great with kids, dogs, and cats. If you love Pit Bulls, you will love this dog.

Visit Herschal on Petfinder.

Scotty

Scotty is an adorable Brussels Griffon who is just a blast to be around. If you're looking for a high energy dog that will love to play long and hard, this is him. This is the dog you've been looking for. He wiggles all over when you open his crate and is just bursting with energy. He can't wait to get outside for walks.

Visit Scotty on Petfinder.

Fluffernutter and Peppercorn

These two dogs are just so sweet. Peppercorn is a little more of an adventerous soul. Not too adventerous, though, and he doesn't stray much farther than his leash stretches. Fluffernutter is a bit of a slow walker and tends to lag behind on their walks, but is eager to catch up and be held. They absolutely love each other and desperately want a home together. These two would make great companions for anyone looking for calm, low-maintenance dogs.

Visit Fluffernutter and Peppercorn on Petfinder.

George

George is a young dog with tons of energy. He is a Great Dane/Bloodhound mix and is therefore very strong, so large breed experience would be useful with him. He loves to play in water and had a great time splashing around in the stream by the shelter. He is looking for a family that's as active as he is.

Visit George on Petfinder.

Paws In Need Update

2009-06-22T12:01:00.002-04:00

This past week something extraordinary happened for the feline members of the Paws In Need. These lucky animals were spotted by an anonymous donor who has donated all of the funds needed for their surgeries. Thanks to the incredible generosity of this very special person these cats are able to start their journeys towards adoption.

To everyone who made donations to these animals, from everyone at MHS and on behalf of the Paws In Need, thank you. These animals are so special to us and it is impossible to describe the joy you’ve given us all by giving them the chance they need. With such amazing people thinking of them, they are sure to have many happy days ahead of them.

There is also good news for Tessa, one of the dogs with a mammary tumor. She had her surgery last week and is recovering well. She is enjoying her walks and bounding around in the grass, wiggling just as much as ever and loving every minute of her life without a tumor.

Inappropriate Elimination Solutions

2009-06-22T09:25:00.002-04:00

One of the most common reasons cats are surrendered to shelters is because of inappropriate elimination. To put it simply, peeing on the couch instead of in the litterbox. This problem can seem unbearable, making it difficult to have guests over or even walk into your own house. The feeling of shame at the way your house smells when you have visiting family is really a unique experience. I know, because one of my cats went over a year without even approaching the litterbox.

Thankfully, a very clever man named Dr. Elsey invented a litter that is one of the greatest products I have ever used.

Cat Attract is a litter that was specifically designed for cats with an aversion to using the litterbox. There is a mixture of herbs mixed in with the litter to attract the problem cat to the box, and the texture of the litter and the particle size were designed to be appealing to the cat’s paws to keep them going back.

Not only will your cat love it, but you will, too. It’s almost completely dust-free and controls odors very well. It clumps to make it easy to scoop. If you have a cat with a litterbox problem, this is the best solution I have ever come across.

A major cause of inappropriate elimination is declawing. Declawing removes the cat’s toes up to the first joint, which is incredibly painful for an animal that doesn’t have the option of lying in bed during the recovery period. They still have to scratch in the litterbox, which can make them associate the box with pain in their feet. They might start to prefer urinating on softer surfaces, such as clothes or carpets. For cats like this, puppy training pads can be very helpful. They are absorbent and easy to clean up, and have the texture your cat prefers.

Remember, though, that not all cats that won’t use the litterbox have a behavioral problem. Litterbox aversion can also be caused by medical conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and intestinal tract tumors. These conditions can be very uncomfortable, even painful, for the cat, and they may begin to associate this pain with the litterbox. This can lead to them avoiding it entirely, as they believe the box itself is hurting them. Because your cat’s problem may be caused by a medical issue, please have your cat examined by a veterinarian.

Tiny Noses, Tiny Paws, and Solutions to Tiny Problems!

2009-06-15T08:03:00.003-04:00

Bringing home a new kitten can be very exciting. All those tiny noses and tiny paws are adorable as you watch your new baby wander around his new home. Kittens are also a bit of extra work and they need special considerations, but with proper care they grow up to be fantastic cats.

There are a few things you should have ready before your kitten comes home. You should have a litterbox and food bowls, toys, dry kitten food, wet cat food, litter, and a scratching post.

Toys and scratching posts are important to making sure your kitten grows up happy and friendly. Starting them with scratching posts young ensures that they’ll have good scratching habits as adults. Scratching is beneficial to the cats because it helps dull their claws and stretch their back muscles. Toys are also great for socializing with your kitten. Just be careful with any toys with strings, as kittens can get tangled and hurt themselves. Only play with these toys if the kitten is supervised. Also remember that kittens can be rough with their claws, because they haven’t learned to be gentle with people yet. You just have to be patient, as they will learn this.

There are many types of dry kitten food, but what we usually recommend is Purina Kitten Chow (in the yellow bag). You want to make sure there is no fish in whatever food you choose for your kitten and that the pieces are small enough for them to eat comfortably. Usually kittens remain on kitten food until six months, when they can switch to the adult formula. Kittens should eat canned food as well. We recommend feeding them wet food twice a day. Remember to look at the ingredients to make sure there is no fish in the food, because even some flavors where it is not the principal ingredient include fish. It is also easier for kittens to eat ground food, rather than chunks. Never give your kitten or adult cat cow’s milk, as it gives them diarrhea.

The type of litter you buy for your kitten depends on your preferences, but it is very important not to buy clumping litter for a kitten. If they lick it off their paws it can clog their intestines. If you want to switch to clumping litter later in life, you should wait until they are at least six months old. Good types of litter for kittens are Yesterday’s News and Feline Pine. These are biodegradable and you can even flush the solids. Make sure to scoop the litterbox daily, as keeping it clean will help encourage your kitten to start good litterbox habits.

When your kitten first comes home you must decide where he’s going to live. Because kittens are small and curious, they’re going to try to climb inside your recliner and explore under your television stand. You don’t want your kitten to get lost or stuck under anything, so the best place for your kitten to grow up is in one room. It can be a bedroom, an office, anywhere he can’t hide too many places. He can come out and enjoy the house while supervised, of course, but when you’re not home he should go back to his room.

Giving your kitten his own room also ensures that he won’t get frightened by all of a sudden having a whole house to run around in. He’ll be able to get used to the way the house smells and sounds before being given the chance to explore. If he isn’t the first pet in the house it also gives the other pets time to get used to the smell of the kitten. Animals should always be introduced slowly and should be supervised at all times.

Kittens adopted from the Meriden Humane Society have already been given their first distemper vaccination, but they will need a second distemper and a rabies vaccination later on. The second distemper vaccination should be given about four weeks after the first and the rabies vaccination should be given at about four months old.

Your kitten should also get neutered, preferably before he turns six months old. Thanks to advances in veterinary technology they can even be altered as early as twelve weeks with very little risk. There are many advantages to neutering your male kitten, including stopping spraying before it starts, lowering their hormone levels so they won’t be as aggressive or territorial, and spaying females will prevent them from ever becoming pregnant or going into heat.

Most of all, have fun with your kitten and try to encourage good behavior from them. Lots of playtime and petting helps them grow into friendly adults that will love you for all the good work you’ve done for them.

Weekend Events

2009-06-08T17:31:00.002-04:00

If you're looking for some fun this weekend, but want to do something for the animals as well, you're in luck! There are three events going on this weekend to benefit the animals.

The first is the Babes 'n' Bubbles Car Wash. Need some help with that dirty car? We're happy to take care of that for you! Join us at the Cloverleaf Building on East Main St. in Meriden between 9:00 and 4:00 on Saturday and for $5 we'll make that dirty car squeaky clean. For the ladies out there, we'll be holding a Studs 'n' Suds car wash soon, but details have yet to be announced.

On Saturday night you can take your nice clean car and drive on over to the Grange Hall at 540 Broad Street from 5:00 to 6:30 for a family-style roast pork dinner, with pie for dessert. Proceeds from this event will be split between MHS and the Grange, but the fun will be for everyone. Tickets are $10 (children under ten for $5) and can be purchased on the Meriden Humane Society, at the Babes 'n' Bubbles Car Wash, or by calling Cindy at (203) 237-4617.

There's yet another chance to get out and help the animals on Sunday night. We're holding an Italian dinner with ziti and homemade sauce, salad, bread, wine, and dessert. Dinner is at the Falcons Polish Club at 33 Knowles Ave in Southington from 4:30-7:00. There will also be raffles, information about the shelter, and a slideshow of animals. Tickets are $10 ($8 for seniors and children under ten) and can be purchased at the Meriden Humane Society or at the Babes 'n' Bubbles Car Wash.

Whatever you choose to do this weekend, thank you for supporting the animals of the Meriden Humane Society.

The Vast Killing Machine

2009-06-08T06:26:00.002-04:00

A small cocker spaniel mix huddles in his blankets, fearful and in pain. Jethro was tied to a tree in Hubbard Park after being stabbed and doused in anti-freeze. Now he is terrified. A large black and white cat crouches in a carrier, hissing and lunging at the bars of the cage when approached. Carrie is a feral cat, unsocialized with people and incredibly aggressive out of fear. These are two animals very much like the four million that are killed in shelters annually. Thankfully they were not brought to a “traditional” shelter, but to the Meriden Humane Society, a no-kill shelter that will care for their medical and behavioral needs, regardless of cost or time. No-kill sheltering is the only effective and humane method of dealing with homeless pets, because it saves lives considered “unadoptable” by other shelters through affordable spay/neuter programs, trap-neuter-release for feral cats, and assessing every animal as an individual.

Shelters kill for many reasons, but the reason most often cited is for space. They claim not to have enough room for all the animals that are surrendered, especially open admission animal control facilities. Tours of these shelters show the opposite, which is that many cages are left empty purposely to make cleaning easier on staff. At the City of Los Angeles Animal Services Department a veterinarian was fired for trying to utilize all cages, due partly to complaints from staff that he created too much work by keeping animals alive (Winograd, “Redemption” 157). When it comes time to decide which animals will be killed to open more cages, the animals selected are easy to predict. Feral cats, aggressive dogs, “bully” breeds of dogs, shy animals, sick animals, animals too young to be without their mother, black cats, large dogs, old animals, animals that are not house or litter trained, and any other animal not deemed perfectly adoptable are the first to go. This ignores the simple fact that there are options for these animals, such as networking with breed rescues, TNR groups, utilizing foster homes for young, sick, or shy animals, and training animals in the shelter. Some groups refer to “kennel stress” as a reason for euthanasia, which is a behavior developed in the shelter as a direct result of improper housing and socialization (Leigh and Geyer 61). Killing an animal because it does not adapt well to living in a cage and being ignored for large portions of the day is horrendous. Shelter killing is a social problem because it is the public and the staff of these shelters that enable the murder of innocent animals to continue. It is only when everyone embraces the no-kill shelter model that we can reach a time when there are no more homeless pets.

The single most important component of the no-kill system is spay/neuter. The average unspayed feral female cat has 22 kittens per year, six of whom will be female and survive to an age where they can reproduce. Each of those six will produce their own 22 kittens per year, which is 132 kittens in a single year from one unspayed female (Johnson 1). Note that those are feral cats, so in domestic animals the numbers will be even higher due to a lack of natural predators. Thankfully, no-kill shelters have created many programs to stop this cycle. The target of these low-cost spay/neuter programs are people without the money to visit a veterinarian unassisted, so the fear that offering these programs will take business from veterinarians is unfounded. Examples of these programs are Best Friend Animal Sanctuary’s The Big Fix mobile spay/neuter clinic, which neuters up to 50 animals daily (No More Homeless Pets 1) and Tait’s Every Animal Matters clinic, which neuters 12,000 Connecticut animals annually (TEAM 1). Shelters that cannot support their own clinic often network with veterinarians to offer lost-cow or free spay/neuter to their adopters.

When a feral cat enters a “traditional” shelter its chance of surviving is nonexistent. Every feral cat to enter a shelter without a trap-neuter-release program is killed. Feral cats are wild animals unsuitable for adoption because they are unsocialized with people, but this does not mean they don’t deserve life. TNR is the process by which feral cats are trapped humanely, neutered, vaccinated, tested for disease, and released into colonies where they are cared for daily. The feral population is then gradually decreased by attrition. This approach has been used in all parts of the country to save feral cats. In West Valley City, Utah the euthanasia rate was reduced by 40% the same year they began using TNR (Monroe 1). In Cape May, New Jersey, TNR has been used for the last ten years to reduce the feral cat population from 450 to only 100 cats (Robinson 1). Stanford University had over 1,500 feral cats living on the campus as of 1989. Thanks to the TNR efforts supported by students, faculty, and members of the community there are now 200 cats on the campus. If TNR had not been implemented, the original 1,500 cats would have been taken to the Santa Clara Animal Control facility and killed. (Stanford Cat Network 2).

No-kill sheltering, despite the name, does not guarantee that no animals will be killed. All healthy or treatable animals will be saved, but animals that are suffering from health issues that cannot be treated or are irredeemably vicious will be euthanized by definition, meaning for the good of the animal. The key to deciding which animals cannot be saved lies with assessing every animal as an individual. This issue was brought to a head in 2008 when a dog fighting kennel was raided in North Carolina. All 145 pit bulls taken from the facility, including 70 puppies, some of which were born after the raid, were killed without being assessed. This course of action was supported by the Humane Society of the United States and PETA, groups who were swiftly called out and presented with evidence by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary as to the potential for rehabilitation of fighting dogs (Best Friends 1). Best Friends took 22 dogs from Michael Vick’s dog fighting operation and successfully rehabilitated them on the National Geographic program Dogtown. This group of dogs, known collectively as the Vicktory dogs, has proven without a doubt that fighting dogs can be saved. Many of the Vicktory dogs are in foster homes and two have been trained as therapy dogs (Saving the Michael Vick Dogs). The 145 dogs killed on the recommendation of the HSUS could have been saved and could have done good in the world had they only been assessed fairly. This especially applies to the puppies who hadn’t even been born in the fighting kennel and had never known abuse.

The no-kill equation has been proven to work across the country. Under Richard Avanzino, the San Francisco SPCA killed zero healthy cats and dogs. The Tompkins County SPCA in upstate New York became the first rural community to become entirely no-kill in 2001. In 2008, 92% of animals entering the Charlottesville Humane Society in Virginia were saved. In Reno, NV, the fastest developing city in the country, the save rate for dogs in 2008 was 92% and 83% for cats (Winograd, “It’s A Wonderful World” 3). No-kill is possible in every type of community, but only if all aspects are embraced.

As for Jethro and Carrie, both are doing wonderfully. Jethro recovered from his wounds and lives with a man who loves him dearly. His owner carries him into the shelter to visit the people who saved his life. Carrie lives in a feral colony with five other cats. She can often be found sitting on top of her dog house, waiting for her caretaker to arrive with breakfast. Both of these animals would have been killed immediately in a “traditional” shelter, but because they were found by a no-kill shelter they not only live, but they are loved and treasured by their caretakers. We could save those other four million animals murdered every year because they aren’t perfect, just by implementing the no-kill model. These animals deserve the chance of a happy life and not dying under the label of ‘unadoptable’. They were not born to please us and should not die because they have failed to do so.

Works Cited

Best Friends Staff. Coaltion Challenges Outdated Policy. December 2008.

Johnson, Karen. “A Report on Trap/Alter/Release Programs”. Stanford Cat Network. 1995.

Leigh, Diane, and Marilee Geyer. One at a Time A Week in an American Animal Shelter. New Delhi: No Voice Unheard, 2005.

Monroe, Estelle. “Living in the Gray Zone”. Best Friends Magazine. December 2003.

No More Homeless Pets Utah. The Big Fix. 2009.

Robinson, Becky. Alley Cat Allies. 2008.

Saving the Michael Vick Dogs. Dogtown. Darcy Dennet. National Geographic. September 5 2008.

Stanford Cat Network. Stanford Cat Network. 2002. < Catnet.standford.edu>

Tait’s Every Animal Matters. Tait’s Every Animal Matters. 2008.

Winograd, Nathan J. Redemption The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America. New York: Almaden Books, 2007.

Winograd, Nathan J. “It’s A Wonderful World”. No-Kill Conference. Washington DC. May 5 2009.

Paws In Need

2009-06-02T16:34:00.009-04:00

While we wish all animals had happy days, some need a little special help before they can get back to the good life. These are animals that have special needs that must be corrected by surgery. All of them, regardless of age or temperment or their special needs, will be taken care of here at the Meriden Humane Society, but to do that we need your help. Every dollar donated towards surgery for these animals is appreciated not only by us, but by the ten Paws In Need that you're helping to save.

You can make a donation to any of these pets by clicking on the Paypal donation button below. Please specify which animal you would like your donation to go towards or leave that field blank if you'd like us to choose for you.

Beast

Beast is a big, impressive-looking feral cat, at least on the outside. He came to us covered in bite wounds from a rough fight with another cat. Thankfully, he recovered from his wounds just fine and has even been getting a little friendlier, though he is still very shy. Unfortunately, he needs dental surgery to correct a problem with his teeth. He has a difficult time chewing, so he swallows pieces of dry food whole, which irritates his throat. Sometimes when he’s eating he jumps away from his plate and growls at it, because he thinks the plate is hurting him. It is heartbreaking to watch. To make his life easier we feed him lots of wet food, even holding pieces out on our hands to make sure he only eats small bites. He licks your fingers clean when he’s finished and will stay still for gentle petting.

Ginger

Ginger is a very sweet old lady who loves a strange thing. She has the power to locate a pillow anywhere, no matter where you’ve hidden it. She just zeros in on them and cuddles herself right on top. Life would be good for her, she can have as many pillows as she likes, which is usually all of them, except for a tumor in her ear that must be removed.

Update on Ginger: Ginger has been adopted! Her new family even volunteered to take care of her medical needs. This sweet girl is going to lead a wonderful life with her loving family. Good luck, Ginger!

Staples

Staples arrived at MHS with a horrendous injury to his left hind leg. He was attacked by a dog and his leg was shattered. Because so much time passed between the attack and when he was brought to us, his leg cannot be repaired and will have to be amputated. Staples is a very rambunctious and outgoing cat, and we think he’ll adjust to his new life quickly. He is sometimes so excited to see people that he falls right over and just reaches out with his paws to touch you. His future looks exceptionally bright considering his injury, but until he gets his surgery he can’t move on to a forever home.

Hancock

Hancock is a very handsome cat with a bit of a silly habit. When he first came to us he had a broken hip and, following his first surgery, he was a little nervous. So where did this big guy choose to hide? Right under his blankets, of course. It didn’t matter how hard we tried to keep him on top of the covers. When left alone for even a few minutes he burrowed right back under. Thankfully he’s a lot more confident now and chooses to grace us with his presence. He has had a pin holding his hip together and now that he’s fully healed he’s ready to have the pin taken out.

Thora

Thora is just the prettiest girl, with big bright eyes and a cutely folded ear. She has a bit of spunk and doesn't take to everyone, but when she likes you, she really likes you. She spends most of her time curled up in the kitchen, usually in a position that doesn't look comfortable by any stretch of the imagination, but she seems to like it. Thora is on daily medication for a heart murmur and has just been thrown another hurdle. A tumor has taken up residence on her hind right leg and needs to be removed badly.

Kay

Kay, affectionately known as Bathroom Cat, is very beautiful and loves getting to meet everyone who visits her. She sleeps in her basket for most of the day, but perks right up when it comes time for attention. If you sit down next to her she'll climb right into your lap and start purring before you've even touched her. When she's curled up with you, though, you'll notice something is off about her. Kay's head tilts to the side because of a tumor in her ear that must be removed. She keeps her spirits up very well, but is looking forward to the surgery to remove the tumor.

Elliot

Elliot is a silly and very fun guy. He loves playing and he doesn’t settle for just batting at a toy a few times. Sometimes he is so into his games that he just goes skidding across the floor in pursuit of whatever toy he’s spotted. He’ll even jump into the air for dangling toys or any flies unfortunate enough to have ended up in the cat room. Of course, there more to Elliot than how much fun it is to watch him run and leap. He’s also very sweet and likes to be pet and held. Sometimes he gets a little shy, but it’s never long before he remembers that he enjoys attention. Lately Elliot has been feeling a little down, because he needs surgery to repair a hernia. Can you help him start leaping with joy again?

Update on Elliot: Elliot has been adopted! He is going to be a companion for another young cat, a role which he's going to love. His hernia is going to be taken care of soon, so donations towards his surgery are still appreciated.

Daisy

Daisy is a young and frisky cat. She's always leaping around her cage, pausing only to keep an eye on the other cats. She is very vocal and makes sure to say hello to everyone who visits the cat room. Her eagerness for attention is entirely understandable, as she's only a year old and still wants to play with everything she sees. She makes herself quite impossible to ignore. Hopefully that skill comes in handy now that she's faced with surgery to repair a hernia. Can you resist helping this beautiful little girl?

Shilo & Tessa

Shilo and Tessa are two sweet old girls that absolutely love each other. Both just quiver with excitement when it’s time to go out for a walk and enjoy wiggling in the grass while they get their tummies rubbed. They crawl all over each other trying to be the first for treats and petting, which usually ends with them both looking very silly. Unfortunately, both of these great dogs need treatment for cancerous mammary tumors. The good news is that the cancer hasn't spread, but each dog will need surgery estimated at around $1,000.

Copulation, Copulation, Copulation

2009-06-02T16:08:00.002-04:00

Copulation, Copulation, Copulation: Ending Feral Cat Overpopulation

There is a wild animal that lives in almost every country on Earth, that causes no harm and leaves no trace of its presence, but still nearly 100% of them are killed when brought to animal shelters and animal control facilities. These are stray cats, alley cats, and neighborhood cats. They are feral, wild animals. Trap-Neuter-Release is the only proven effective method for controlling the feral cat population. It saves not only lives, but money for shelters by reducing intake and euthanasia, reduces “annoying” behaviors, and preserves the ecosystem.

Feral cats are cats that have either been born outside or domestic cats that have been abandoned and returned to their wild instincts. They are found in every community in the country and across the world. Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) is the most effective and humane way of managing feral cat colonies. TNR is a process in which feral cats are humanely trapped, neutered, vaccinated, and released into safe areas called colonies. These colonies are maintained by volunteers, either from TNR organizations or simply people who want to help the cats, who leave food and water every day, as well as keep records on all the cats in the colony and monitor for new arrivals.

There is only one way to control the population of feral cats effectively, and that is to neuter all the cats in a colony and release them. By preventing new litters from being born the population will decrease naturally over time. The average unspayed female cat has 22 kittens per year, six of whom will be female and survive to an age where they can reproduce. Each of those six will produce their own 22 kittens per year, which is 132 kittens in a single year from one unspayed female (Stanford Cat Network).

Trap-Neuter-Release has been proven to work in many areas of the country. In Cape May, New Jersey, TNR has been used for the last ten years to reduce the feral cat population from 450 to only 100 cats (Alley Cat Allies). Stanford University had over 1,500 feral cats living on the campus as of 1989. Thanks to the TNR efforts supported by students, faculty, and members of the community there are now 200 cats on the campus. The colonies are watched over by the Stanford Cat Network, which provides medical care, food, and fresh water to all the cats. If TNR had not been implemented, the original 1,500 cats would have been taken to the Santa Clara Animal Control facility and killed. This would not have stopped students from dumping their pets at the end of term, which is how the cats arrived on the campus, and the number of cats would quickly rise again. Using TNR, however, raises awareness of the issue, preventing students from abandoning their pets.

By stopping the animals from reproducing, but not removing them from their territory, they can continue keeping new cats from arriving. Simply killing (note that the word euthanasia does not apply to feral cats because their death not does fit the definition of “putting to death painlessly an animal suffering from an incurable, esp. a painful, disease or condition” [American Heritage Dictionary]) the cats will not prevent new animals from taking over the empty territory. To continue trapping and killing the cats is expensive for animal shelters and does not solve the problem.

A popular argument against TNR is that feral cats do not lead a quality life, and so the only humane thing to do is euthanize them. However, feral cats are vaccinated against disease, neutered, and have a caretaker to provide fresh food and water. They therefore have a much higher quality of life than most wildlife. According to groups such as TNR Reality Check, feral cats meet gruesome deaths on the street when they are hit by cars and many simply go missing. As a comparison, think of the number of squirrels you see dead on the road each week. Does this mean we should trap and kill squirrels because they might get hit by cars? No, that would be absurd.

Because cats that have been through TNR are vaccinated against rabies and distemper they are much less likely to ever contract these diseases. According to Alley Cat Allies, a national TNR organization, the infection rate in feral cats is 4%, the same as in indoor cats, and a study conducted in 1989 (“Experimental Rabies in Cats”) reports full protection against rabies for three years after a single vaccination.

The lives of the cats are also improved by removing the possibility of breeding. Breeding for cats is a violent and painful process, especially for the females. Male cats have small barbs on the penis which stimulate ovulation in the female by scraping against the inner walls of the vagina. This is one of the reasons cats scream during breeding. The drive to mate also causes fighting and yowling among males, which is prevented by neutering them. This keeps the cats safer and more comfortable, as well as appeasing humans living near feral cat colonies that do not wish to listen to such things. Neutering will also prevent cats from spraying, which creates a very offensive odor, and prevents fighting over territory. This makes life more pleasant for people in the area, but if they still don’t wish to live near feral cats, colonies can be trapped and moved to more secluded areas.

As stated, the only alternative to TNR is to kill feral cats. Some can be rehabilitated and adopted out, certainly, but some cats are simply too wild. For cats entering kill shelters there are only three options. They can be adopted, “euthanized”, or returned to their owners. Feral cats require more time to be socialized than the majority of facilities will give them and they have no owner in the traditional sense to claim them. 100% of feral cats to enter kill shelters are killed. By using TNR, all these lives are saved. In West Valley City, Utah the euthanasia rate was reduced by 40% the same year they began using TNR (Best Friends Animal Society).

It is common knowledge that veterinary care has become extraordinarily expensive, but this is not a barrier to TNR efforts. In fact, TNR saves money for taxpayers and shelters. Santa Clara Animal Control, the shelter that would have handled the Stanford University cats had TNR not been implemented, estimates a cost of $70 to hold a feral cat for the required three days, “euthanize”, and dispose of the body. However, they also place the cost to test, vaccinate, and neuter a cat at only $52. The Stanford Cat Network estimates that 41% of cats in Santa Clara County are feral, for a total of 168,463 feral cats. To kill all these cats, at $70 each, would cost $11,792,410. However, to test, vaccinate, and neuter those same cats would cost $8,760,076. This not only saves over three million dollars immediately, but it prevents Santa Clara Animal Control from taking in the offspring of feral cats and having to pay to kill those as well. Because so much money is being saved, the cost of TNR can be taken right from a shelter’s budget.

It is not only large organizations, however, that practice TNR. Any ordinary person can do this with their neighborhood cats. For these people the cost can seem prohibitive, but many low-cost spay/neuter options exist. In Connecticut the most well-known program is TEAM, Tait’s Every Animal Matters. For $70 any cat, even ferals, can be neutered, vaccinated, and given a physical exam. In 2008 alone they sterilized 12,000 cats (TEAM). TEAM services all of Connecticut, but other programs serve specific areas, such as Rehab-A-Cat in New Haven, Creature Kindness in Hamden, and The Greater New Haven Cat Project. Thanks to programs like these any person can afford to care for their colony properly.

Possibly the most insistent opponents of TNR are the people concerned for wildlife, especially birds. This ignores many of the basic facts about cats. Cats are opportunistic feeders. They will go for the easiest prey, which are rodents. Birds are simply too much effort to catch. This isn’t to say that no cats ever kill birds. Certainly some birds are killed by cats, but the major of cause of bird death is habitat destruction caused by humans. In a New Zealand study in which stomach contents of feral cats were examined, it was shown that on average 93% of the cats’ diets consisted of mammals and only 4.5% consisted of birds (Meower Power Feral Coalition). A similar study of feral cats living in urban areas in Pennsylvannia showed something even more startling, which is that 85% of the stomach contents of the cats was garbage, and only 15% was from rodents and birds (Meower Power Feral Coalition). This way of thinking also assumes that birds are more deserving of life than cats. Often the argument that cats are non-native is used, but starlings and sparrows are also non-native (Best Friends Animal Society).

In fact, efforts to protect birds on Macquarie Island, near Australia, by killing all the feral cats went terribly wrong. When the cats were all killed the rabbit population exploded, and the rabbits decimated the plant life that the birds relied on for shelter and food. The birds died. The feral cats turned out to have been protecting the birds, not killing them, and it isn’t only birds that are going to suffer because of the removal of the cats. There are plans to begin dropping poisonous bait starting in 2010 to attract rabbits, rats, and mice, in order to kill every specimen of these three species (Michael Casey – Associated Press). Roger Tabor, chairperson of the British Naturalist Association, said it best when he said, "You have to be very, very careful when…doing anything that changes the ecosystem…This happened in New Zealand. People argued that wildlife there was at risk, and that the terrible cats were causing the problem. So they got rid of them. What happened? The more significant predator turned out to be rats, whose population exploded because you removed the one check on the rat population: the feral cats,” (Best Friends Animal Society). The ecosystem is a very delicate thing, and oftentimes the effects of removing a single species can be disastrous. Far from being a danger to other species, cats are actually protecting them from far more dangerous threats.

If Trap-Neuter-Release is implemented nation-wide then the quality of life for cats will improve and humans will benefit from the lack of “annoying” feline behaviors and the lower cost of TNR. At the Meriden Humane Society there is one feral cat we call No-Tail. She is a beautiful calico that we took in as an older kitten. Her tail was infested with maggots and it had to be amputated. After her recovery she was released into our colony. She is fed wet and dry food every morning, and without fail she can be found in the evening sitting in front of the door waiting for her dinner. She’ll walk off a few steps when the door is opened, and won’t approach the plate until her caretaker pretends to look away from her, but no matter how shy she appears, there is no doubt that she appreciates our presence. In most shelters, this cat would stand no chance. She would have been killed immediately. However, she now leads a fantastic life, free to roam, but can still rely on us when she needs something. Getting involved with feral cats is extremely rewarding, knowing that you personally have saved a life, and it is easy to do yourself. Individuals can practice TNR in their own yards or volunteer for an establish TNR group. Even the smallest donations to TNR groups are appreciated so much, because every dollar or old towel or bag of cat food is helping to save the lives of some of the least valued animals in America.

Works Cited

Casey, Michael. “Removing cats to protect wildlife on island backfires”. January 13, 2009. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090113/ap_on_re_au_an/as_australia_rabbit_infestation

Meower Power Feral Cat Coalition. Meower Power Feral Cat Coalition. 2008.

Miller, Sandy. “Hiding in Plain Sight: Feral Cat Colonies Thrive With TLC and TNR”. Best Friends Magazine May, 2008. 17+.

Monroe, Estelle. “Living in the Gray Zone”. Best Friends Magazine. December, 2003.

Mountain, Michael. “Blaming the Victims”. Best Friends Magazine July, 2003.

Robinson, Becky. Alley Cat Allies. 2008. www.alleycat.org

Stanford Cat Network. Stanford Cat Network. 2002.

Tait’s Every Animal Matters. Tait’s Every Animal Matters. 2008. www.everyanimalmatters.com

An Introduction

2009-05-31T20:46:00.005-04:00

From the highway we may not look like much, but inside the Meriden Humane Society is something truly special. We are a private, no-kill shelter and rescue facility where many special needs animals find a loving enviornment while they are inbetween homes. Animals that might not be given a chance elsewhere are given the special care they need to lead happy and healthy lives. Every animal has the potential to be a great companion, and we feel it is our duty to provide them with a comfortable place to live while they wait to meet their new best friend.

The Basics

We are located at:

311 Murdock Ave.
Meriden, CT 06450

Our hours are:

Monday - closed
Tuesday - closed
Wednesday - 12:00-6:00
Thursday - 12:00-6:00
Friday - 12:00-6:00
Saturday - 12:00-6:00
Sunday - 12:00-6:00

There is a home out there for every animal and an animal for every home. If you think you might be ready to bring home a new family member, take a look at our Petfinder and click on 'Our Pet List'.

We depend solely on donations to help our animals, as we receive no state or city funding. Our deepest appreciation goes out to every person who has ever brought a blanket for the dogs or a few dollars for the cats. Thank you for supporting our animals.

In the future this blog will be used to educate about proper pet care, shelter news, fundraising events, and animals in need of help. Check back for photos and stories from our furry friends.

For more information visit our Petfinder.